Sunday, May 17, 2009

I had a jolly watchalong of Bombay to Goa with Memsaab today, and it's a wonderful, funny film - and a perfect stress release after four days of fretting about a rain-soaked basement. However, "O Mehki Mehki Thandi Hawa" tossed me a nasty surprise.

12
comments:

I loved 'Videowala Lafanga'. Yes, I guess that's the way Hindi film songs are in all our heads. I remember as a teenager, belting out loudly off-key at home, all by myself. Haven't done it in a train yet. Thankfully for the general public. 'Bombay to Goa' is serious, serious fun. Forgive all the copyright trespasses.

From the link on RDB's various "inspirations" the guy seems to have very wide-ranging musical interests! You've got to give the guy points for listening to everything. ;-)

I remember a PTV (Pakistan state TV) compere commenting on RDB's borrowing the worst of Pakistan (he was referring to Kabhi bekasi ne maara from film Alag Alag, that was a lift of a Pakistani song) and wondering why he couldnt "borrow" from any of the better Pakistani compositions, instead!

I'm reminded of the time Arthur Freed and Nacio "Herb" Brown were asked to write a Singin' In The Rain item number for Donald O'Connor along the lines of Cole Porter's "Be A Clown." Their response: "Make 'Em Laugh."

Mister Naidu - I enjoyed the movie a ton. Totally adorable. As for "Mehbooba," I like both versions.

bollyviewer - That's one way to look at it! :)

As someone has since pointed out to me, the Beach Boys themselves lifted quite a few songs from Jan and Dean. SHAME!

Pessimisissimo - That'd explain it!

Anonymous - Really! You're right, that is definitely worth noting.

Eric - That's one way to put it :)

Shweta - I just wish credit were given where credit is due. I have no problem with musical inspiration, but copying is seriously not cool, especially when people like RD Burman seem to be so revered for musical creativity. Making good use of source material is a very fine skill and one without which the world would be a lesser place. But just acknowledge your sources.

my other filmi projects

Bong Along - a blog on vintage Bengali movies co-written by Indie Quill and me (and perhaps a few very friendly appearances by other friends as well).

Masala Zindabad - the podcast by Indie Quill and me, often featuring other writers and fans as guests. Masala Zindabad is an affectionate and thoughtful look at the broad range of themes that define Bollywood and make Bollywood defy definition. Available at iTunes.

Mysterious Order of the Skeleton Suit - the Agents of M.O.S.S. are a shadowy confederation of like-minded writers, broadcasters, creators, and jetsetters who have banded together in a bold mission to bring international intrigue and pop entertainment to the masses. Can anyone stand in the way of their diabolical schemes?

pragmatics

Text (c) 2005–2014, Beth Watkins. The ideas and opinions expressed in this site are mine alone unless otherwise attributed. They do not necessarily represent the views of my employer or of any other organization or website with which I may be associated.